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The dedication program also featured guest speakers Commander Mike Campbell, President of the Blue Angels Foundation, Captain Ryan Bernacchi, 2016-2017 Commanding Officer and Flight Leader of the Blue Angels, and Christina Kuss, wife of Captain Jeff Kuss. Music was provided by the Stewarts Creek High School Band and Chorale. In addition, active and retired military personnel from the Marines, Navy, and Blue Angels were in attendance to pay tribute to Captain Jeff Kuss.

“This was a special day in history for the Town of Smyrna and its people, as well as for the Kuss family,” said Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed. “Raising money for the $1.4 million memorial was a grassroots effort that began in Smyrna and Rutherford County, then expanded throughout the state and culminated with donations from across the country.”

In addition, a curriculum has been created and approved by the Rutherford County Board of Education for students throughout Tennessee to learn about Capt. Jeff Kuss, the Blue Angels and the Town of Smyrna. We anticipate Tennessee schools and others journeying on field trips to this site. We envision that this memorial will serve as a beacon and celebration of the strong values held by Captain Kuss, the US Navy Blue Angels and US Marine Corps — Honor, Courage, Commitment, & Excellence. We encourage people of all ages to visit, reflect, and be inspired to live out these values.

By this memorial, the Town of Smyrna and its citizens are proud to honor the legacy of Marine Captain Jeff Kuss. Kuss was a fearless leader, a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a hero.  It is with great honor that the Town of Smyrna hereby pays tribute to his legacy. The Capt. JeffKuss USMC Memorial can be visited day or night within Lee Victory Recreation Park.  Daily Park Hours are 6:00am – 11:00pm (subject to close due to inclement weather).